Katy Trail Rock Island Spur CommentsBiking with small children

I took my three kids ages 5, 6 and 8 for a trial run this weekend. We started in Boonville and headed East. The constant slight incline really was a bit too challenging for the kids and they made it 4mi out and then back. I was looking for about a 10 mi stretch of either flat or down hill and while this area looked somewhat flat, we didn't spend much time actually "sitting" on our seats to pedal. They have done hills before, but most of their riding has been on paved surfaces and they have never quite experienced an incline that seem to go on and on without a break. We are planning a two day trip over spring break and I think 8-10 mi will be their max. We may have two cars for a pick up and drop sites.

posted Mar 9 2008 9:53PM
- Jamain, Blue Springs

Jamain,
Did you head east or west ot of Boonville? I don't recall much in the way of inclines going east, but west... oh yeah.
Cheers!
GC

posted Mar 10 2008 5:44AM
- gc, Columbia, Mo.

Other than the bridge crossing the river there are no hills between Booneville and Rocheport. You must have ridden west. I would suggest drivng to Rocheport and riding east along the bluffs. Ride out as far as you think the kids can ride back. The view is great and there are benches all along the way you can take a rest at. Be sure when you start to ride back east a short distance first and let the kids ride through the tunnel. Have a great ride.

posted Mar 10 2008 9:08AM
- Cliff, Edwardsville KS

From Rocheport go east to see the bluffs, cave, river, petroglyphs, etc. and go west a short distance to see the tunnel.

posted Mar 10 2008 12:42PM
- Anonymous

The stretch you were on (going west) has a steady icline to I70 goes downhill for a while then has several good climbes up to pilot Grove. See elevations charty at:

http://www.bikekatytrail.com/elevations.asp

for an idea of what you were heading towards. Follow Cliff's advice - start at Rochport and head towards McBaine if you have little ones. Also, in the early spring you can expect the trail to be soft and a little harder to pedal. Later in the spring - summer -fall the trail gets packed down and drier and much easier to pedal.

posted Mar 10 2008 7:45PM
- Gary, Near Tebbetts

The other thing is that the trail was quite soft in early March, and it is MUCH tougher riding when it is soft. Of course, you may have the same issue at Spring Break.